cross country fitness

[RubysGold]

How fit would you expect your horse to be if you were going to go xc schooling?
The fences will be small because I've never done xc before. And I'll be a nervous wreck.
I have 4 weeks to get her fitter. we normally ride for about 35-45 mins in the school, and we do the odd walking hack (because the people I hack with only walk) which last like 20-30 mins. And I can lunge for 20 mins before she gets tired. I try to exercise her everyday, but I don't think she is fit enough to go round a xc course.
So, what would you work on?

 

[RubysGold]

Hmm, that didn't stay on page 1 for long at all :/

 

[zoelouisem]

HI you def need to get her a bit fitter for XC, can you hack on your own you need to get some long canters in and if youve any hills nearby some hill work in and possibly go out for longer too.
If you cant get out on your own get forward in you saddle and do some cantering work in the school. Maybe up the schooling sessions to 40 mins a time. And when your lunging get her cantering aswell. I Would try to work her 5-6 times a week of good work. Youve got 4 weeks so if you get going there is till plenty of time to get her fitness up, XC is hard work so you want to get as fit as you can.
Good Luck